President Bola Tinubu has expressed his deepest condolences to the family of former minister of science and technology Ogbonnaya Onu, who died on Thursday at 72.

This is contained in a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, a special adviser to the president on media and publicity, on Thursday in Abuja.

“The president mourns the first civilian governor of Abia State, a former minister of science, technology, and innovation, a principal draughtsman in the founding of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and a valiant partner in the victory of the party in the 2015 elections.

“Most importantly, the president celebrates the life of an accomplished scholar, a first-class engineer, a man of proven integrity, defiant to indiscipline, but ever yielding to the highest standards of rectitude,” said Mr Ngelale.

Mr Ngelale said Mr Tinubu acknowledged that Mr Onu believed in and defended the country’s unity, advocated peace, and promoted fellowship.

He said the president also condoles with the friends and associates of Mr Onu, the Ebonyi and Abia State governments, and all Nigerians grieving this gaping loss.

Mr Onu, who reportedly died at a hospital in Abuja, was a lecturer, politician, and presidential aspirant under the All Progressives Congress party in 2022.

(NAN)